Munster sign up Bleyendaal

Munster have confirmed that Canterbury and Crusaders player Tyler Bleyendaal will join the province on a three-year contract.

Munster and the IRFU have confirmed that Canterbury and Crusaders player Tyler Bleyendaal will join the province on a three-year contract from November 1st 2014.

Playing at fly-half or inside centre, the 23-year-old has made 19 Super Rugby appearances for the Crusaders and represented Canterbury in the ITM Cup on 39 occasions.

A former New Zealand U20s player the Christchurch born Bleyendaal captained the side to victory in the 2010 Junior World Championship in Argentina.

"I am really excited to be heading to a new challenge of playing in a great competition in a new part of the world, for a world renowned team," said Bleyendaal.

"The decision was not an easy one as my time with Canterbury and the Crusaders has been amazing, being involved with quality people every day has made the place special. From the research I have done I am sure that Munster will be very similar, a proud team with a great record."

"We are very fortunate to recruit the services of a talented young player such as Tyler Bleyendaal," said Munster CEO Garrett Fitzgerald.

"We believe Tyler can play an important role in the future of Munster, and will further strengthen our squad. In his roles at 10 and 12 he has been a key decision maker with an intelligent understanding of the game, and will provide us with an exciting option in midfield."

Bleyendaal, currently involved with the Crusaders, will join the province on completion of his commitments with Canterbury in the ITM Cup.